Google shows off new version of Google Glass, complete with earbud

Google shows off the new version of Google Glass; there just isn't much new.

Google had previously announced that a hardware revision of Glass was in production and that Google Glass Explorers would be eligible to trade in their existing headsets for the updated version. Now the company is showing off just what the new version of Google Glass will look like.

There really doesn't seem to be much that's new. The pictured design looks identical to the current version of Glass, except for a mono earbud that plugs into the middle of the device. With Googlers frequently offering quotes like “This is the bulkiest version of Glass we’ll ever make” and with Glass being available for over six months, many expected a more drastic design change than what is pictured.

Google says the earbud will be removable, and Glass will keep its current bone conduction speaker. Other than that, there doesn't seem to be much difference. Glass Explorers should be a eligible to trade up to the new version sometime in November.

Ron Amadeo
Ron is the Reviews Editor at Ars Technica, where he specializes in Android OS and Google products. He is always on the hunt for a new gadget and loves to rip things apart to see how they work. Emailron@arstechnica.com//Twitter@RonAmadeo

I was under the impression that the new models could be used over normal glasses. But this doesn't seem to be the case in these images. Is that a different version, or perhaps the images simply aren't clear on this?

I was under the impression that the new models could be used over normal glasses. But this doesn't seem to be the case in these images. Is that a different version, or perhaps the images simply aren't clear on this?

It was my understanding that newer versions will incorporate prescription lenses into the Google Glass frames, so there will be no need to wear it over normal glasses. Probably will cost more, but much more convenient for people who prefer traditional glasses (myself included).

All we want to hear about is the nexus 5. What's going on, google? the nexus 4 has been sold out for a month now!

Wolfram Alpha offers an estimate of 46,421 people working at Google. Believe it or not, they're not all working on the same projects. News about the Nexus5 will come in due time.

As for Glass, I agree with previous comments that this still looks ugly as sin - but that doesn't matter. As long as it provides a good value proposition as far as functionality goes, this will likely succeed, and set the stage for further wearables.

EDIT: Oh, and as far as earpieces go... If they're going to go with a single-ear design, I kind of wish they'd gone all-out and designed it to look like a 'scouter'. I'd buy that.

I was under the impression that the new models could be used over normal glasses. But this doesn't seem to be the case in these images. Is that a different version, or perhaps the images simply aren't clear on this?

It was my understanding that newer versions will incorporate prescription lenses into the Google Glass frames, so there will be no need to wear it over normal glasses. Probably will cost more, but much more convenient for people who prefer traditional glasses (myself included).

That approach means that people with prescription glasses won't be able to remove their camera when going into areas where taking pictures is unacceptable (e.g. bathrooms, locker rooms, corporate R&D, Apple), or if they do they will either have trouble seeing or need to carry an additional pair of glasses. Does not seem ideal.

I was under the impression that the new models could be used over normal glasses. But this doesn't seem to be the case in these images. Is that a different version, or perhaps the images simply aren't clear on this?

It was my understanding that newer versions will incorporate prescription lenses into the Google Glass frames, so there will be no need to wear it over normal glasses. Probably will cost more, but much more convenient for people who prefer traditional glasses (myself included).

Except then you can either never take Google Glass off (which is probably what Google wants) or you have to carry a second set of glasses.

I was under the impression that the new models could be used over normal glasses. But this doesn't seem to be the case in these images. Is that a different version, or perhaps the images simply aren't clear on this?

It was my understanding that newer versions will incorporate prescription lenses into the Google Glass frames, so there will be no need to wear it over normal glasses. Probably will cost more, but much more convenient for people who prefer traditional glasses (myself included).

That approach means that people with prescription glasses won't be able to remove their camera when going into areas where taking pictures is unacceptable (e.g. bathrooms, locker rooms, corporate R&D, Apple), or if they do they will either have trouble seeing or need to carry an additional pair of glasses. Does not seem ideal.

Until the technology develops to the point where you can't tell if they are wearing them or not .. bulky designer frames is all that's needed (if you want to go around looking like Clark Kent of course)

I was under the impression that the new models could be used over normal glasses. But this doesn't seem to be the case in these images. Is that a different version, or perhaps the images simply aren't clear on this?

It was my understanding that newer versions will incorporate prescription lenses into the Google Glass frames, so there will be no need to wear it over normal glasses. Probably will cost more, but much more convenient for people who prefer traditional glasses (myself included).

That approach means that people with prescription glasses won't be able to remove their camera when going into areas where taking pictures is unacceptable (e.g. bathrooms, locker rooms, corporate R&D, Apple), or if they do they will either have trouble seeing or need to carry an additional pair of glasses. Does not seem ideal.

Glad to see they kept the giant nerd bar going across the front. Honestly, couldn't they at least curve the damn thing so it looks like a pair of glasses? These look like safety goggles or grandpa shades that they forgot to put a lens in.

I must be getting old. I've been working in tech for over 20 years and I have no idea what I would do with Glass or with a 'smart watch' for that matter. Glass seems like a toy not a solution to a problem that I have.

I must be getting old. I've been working in tech for over 20 years and I have no idea what I would do with Glass or with a 'smart watch' for that matter. Glass seems like a toy not a solution to a problem that I have.

Wearables is the future. I once thought about just skipping the entire smartphone-trend and go directly from dumbphone to wearables, but it took too long. Anyway, go read Rainbows End.

A HMD for the smarts and a dumbphone for the connectivity? Kinda like i used a Nokia N800 some years ago (and seems to be using a recent Huawei smartphone that came my way, because i don't have a micro-sim handy).

It was my understanding that newer versions will incorporate prescription lenses into the Google Glass frames, so there will be no need to wear it over normal glasses. Probably will cost more, but much more convenient for people who prefer traditional glasses (myself included).

Oh geez.

Well, all the glasses wearers out there, is this an acceptable solution?

I was under the impression that the new models could be used over normal glasses. But this doesn't seem to be the case in these images. Is that a different version, or perhaps the images simply aren't clear on this?

It was my understanding that newer versions will incorporate prescription lenses into the Google Glass frames, so there will be no need to wear it over normal glasses. Probably will cost more, but much more convenient for people who prefer traditional glasses (myself included).

That approach means that people with prescription glasses won't be able to remove their camera when going into areas where taking pictures is unacceptable (e.g. bathrooms, locker rooms, corporate R&D, Apple), or if they do they will either have trouble seeing or need to carry an additional pair of glasses. Does not seem ideal.

I see a future where this technology takes off and is purchased in droves, flying off the shelves and turning everyone into a bad sci-fi movie extra. Soon, it will be more rare to see people without a camera rig strapped to their face than with them. The feature list will grow and evolve over time, perfecting the user interface for a variety of tasks the likes of which we cannot yet fully grasp. People will wink at each other to exchange contact information instantly, you'll be able to order fast food by staring intently at a picture of your selection on the menu board, concerts will incorporate complicated AR lightshows beamed out to attendees in real time. It will be an era of technological joy, simple gadget-induced bliss.

Then, as with all things in life, some little clownfucker in a Guy Fawkes mask will find a vulnerability in the OS and seed a viral program designed to flash the display and play tones at such frequencies as are necessary to invoke epileptic episodes in the majority of the population. Thousands will die, many more will be injured, and the Google Glass will be forgotten by the wayside like the Virtual Boy and that one episode of Pokemon.